What Jobs Can I Get With an MBA?
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With an MBA, professionals work in many different business careers, including healthcare, technology, marketing, finance, and human resources. Professionals with an MBA work as general managers, CEOs, consultants, and directors. The top MBA jobs include financial manager, product marketing manager, and management consultant.
Demand for management roles will grow by 1.1 million openings each year from 2022-2032, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections. An MBA can launch your career and increase your earning potential. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council’s (GMAC) 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, the median starting salary for recent MBA graduates is $122,000. Check out the most common jobs for MBA graduates.
Management Jobs
When it comes to jobs for MBA graduates, most people think of management positions. According to the BLS, management occupations offer the highest median salary, which hit $116,880 in May 2023.
In addition to careers as a general manager, MBA graduates can also work as project managers. And while some companies hire project managers without an MBA, the degree can mean more responsibilities and higher pay. Other management career paths include executive management, director roles, and nonprofit management.
Chief Executive
Chief executives run companies and set their long-term goals. They work with other executives to direct an organization and measure progress toward objectives. In addition to setting the company’s direction, CEOs also create policies and foster a company culture. Related roles include chief operating officer and chief financial officer.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$206,680
Projected Job Outlook
3% increase from 2022-2032
General Manager
General managers oversee daily operations and create long-term business plans. Depending on their industry, general managers might assign work, track progress on projects, or make company policies. General managers often also create schedules and plan for the use of materials. Related titles include operations manager.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$103,840
Projected Job Outlook
3% increase from 2022-2032
Project Manager
Project managers oversee the completion of specific projects. Starting with the development stage, they create schedules, timelines, and budgets for projects. Project managers are also responsible for staffing and procurement. In some industries, project managers act as the point of contact for the client.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$98,580
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2032
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Finance and Accounting Jobs
Finance and accounting MBA jobs offer some of the highest average salaries — and financial managers also benefit from strong projected job growth. With an MBA in finance, you can work in private equity or investment banking.
Other finance and accounting jobs for MBA graduates include personal financial advisor, management accountant, and accounting manager. An MBA may help professionals in these roles increase their earning potential and take on more responsibilities.
Financial Manager
Financial managers oversee an organization’s long-term financial strategy to make sure the company stays on solid financial footing. They manage investment strategies and create business activity reports for executives. Financial managers also supervise financial analysts and review financial reports for accuracy. Related titles include risk manager and financial director.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$156,100
Projected Job Outlook
16% increase from 2022-2032
Personal Financial Advisor
Personal financial advisors recommend investment and saving strategies for people. They meet with clients to understand their savings goals and recommend ways to meet those goals. Some personal financial advisors specialize in retirement savings, estate planning, or college savings. They may also select investments on behalf of clients.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$99,580
Projected Job Outlook
13% increase from 2022-2032
Accountant
Accountants create financial records and use financial documents in business decision-making. With an MBA, graduates can work as certified public accountants, management accountants, and accounting managers. They may take on supervisory responsibilities, depending on their role. An MBA meets the credit requirements for a CPA license.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$79,880
Projected Job Outlook
4% increase from 2022-2032
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Tech and IT Jobs
Technology is one of the highest-paying industries for MBA professionals, according to the GMAC’s 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey. The growing technology sector offers many opportunities for people with an MBA.
With an MBA in technology management, information technology, or information systems, professionals can take on mid-level and executive roles in the tech sector. These career paths offer median salaries of over $150,000 with strong projected job growth.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer and information systems managers oversee an organization’s computing and technology needs. They implement computer and information systems. These managers also recommend upgrades to executives. In addition to supervising IT staff, computer and information systems managers research emerging technologies. Related titles include IT manager and IT project manager.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$169,510
Projected Job Outlook
15% increase from 2022-2032
Chief Technology Officer
Chief technology officers act as the head of technology for an organization. As part of the executive team, CTOs meet with managers and division leaders. They conduct research into new technologies and recommend strategies to the CEO. The CTO also takes on long-term planning responsibilities.
Average Annual Salary (April 2024)
$175,864
Projected Job Outlook
N/A
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Marketing Jobs
Marketing is another growing field for MBA graduates. While entry-level marketing careers like market research analyst typically only require a bachelor’s degree, an MBA can help marketing professionals advance to management roles.
An MBA in marketing builds the research and analytical skills for careers as a marketing manager or director. MBA professionals also bring training in strategic marketing and new product innovation. An MBA also helps professionals interested in related fields like promotions, sales, and advertising.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers evaluate research to determine customer demand and pricing strategies. They recommend new products and services to reach potential markets. Marketing managers also evaluate competitors to maintain a business advantage. Within their organization, marketing managers work closely with staff in public relations, advertising, and product development.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$156,580
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2032
Marketing Director
Marketing directors set their organization’s marketing goals and oversee marketing plans. They manage a team of marketing professionals and sign off on marketing concepts and budgets. Marketing directors also work with executives in other departments to reach the company’s overall objectives.
Average Annual Salary (April 2024)
$97,628
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2032
Promotions Manager
Promotions managers oversee an organization’s promotions and other incentive programs. They draw on marketing and advertising skills to create promotional campaigns. These campaigns may include digital ads, direct mail, special events, or incentives like discounts and gifts. Promotions managers work closely with marketing, sales, and advertising managers.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$156,580
Projected Job Outlook
6% increase from 2022-2032
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Human Resources Jobs
Every industry relies on human resources professionals to recruit employees, develop upskilling programs, and resolve employment disputes. And a master’s in business helps professionals pursue HR jobs for MBA graduates.
An MBA in human resources trains learners in strategic HR, workforce planning, and organizational development. The degree leads to opportunities as an HR manager, compensation and benefits manager, or training and development manager.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee an organization’s benefits and administrative needs. They play a central role in recruiting and interviewing potential staff. HR managers also manage employee benefit programs and resolve disputes between employees. As heads within human resources, they also recommend strategic hiring, training, and retention plans to executives.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$136,350
Projected Job Outlook
5% increase from 2022-2032
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and benefits managers oversee an organization’s pay and benefits programs. They research wage rates to offer competitive salaries and select benefits vendors for the organization. Compensation and benefits managers also explain plans offered by the company and make sure the plans comply with regulations.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$136,380
Projected Job Outlook
2% increase from 2022-2032
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Entrepreneurship Jobs
An MBA in entrepreneurship leads to opportunities as a business founder and management-level roles growing established businesses. The degree trains learners in new venture financing, product innovation, and launching new ventures.
After completing an entrepreneurship MBA, graduates typically take one of two career paths. Many establish companies and become the founder and CEO. Others work in venture capital, management consulting, and other roles that benefit from entrepreneurial skills. These roles tend to offer high salaries.
Chief Executive Officer
Entrepreneurs who found their own business often hold the title CEO. Chief executive officers, also known as presidents or executive directors, set the direction for the company. They implement policies, measure progress toward goals, and work with other executives to manage the organization. CEOs bring specialized skills depending on their industry.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$206,680
Projected Job Outlook
3% increase from 2022-2032
Management Consultant
Management consultants recommend changes to improve efficiency and increase profits. They analyze an organization’s processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. Management consultants may recommend changes to the corporate structure, policies to improve retention, or new procedures. Management consultants may work independently or as part of a consulting company.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$99,410
Projected Job Outlook
10% increase from 2022-2032
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Healthcare Jobs
The healthcare industry relies on business professionals to improve efficiency and manage the administrative side of providing medical care.
With an MBA in healthcare management, graduates work in healthcare management, hospital administration, and executive leadership. These roles require a strong understanding of the healthcare industry, policies and regulations related to healthcare, and management in health organizations.
Healthcare Manager
Healthcare managers oversee non-clinical functions at a healthcare organization. They manage staff, create long-term plans, and coordinate healthcare services. Some managers oversee a facility or department, while others manage a medical practice. They bring a background in leadership, plus knowledge of the healthcare industry. Related titles include healthcare executive and healthcare administrator.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$110,680
Projected Job Outlook
28% increase from 2022-2032
Hospital Administrator
Hospital administrators oversee the administrative side of a hospital. They research improvements in healthcare delivery and create goals for the hospital. Hospital administrators may also recruit and supervise staff. As part of their responsibilities, they may oversee budgets, create schedules, and report to governing boards.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023)
$110,680
Projected Job Outlook
28% increase from 2022-2032
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MBA Internships
Most MBA students complete an internship as part of their degree. A business internship provides hands-on training and helps learners expand their professional network. Graduates not only list MBA internships on their resumes, they may also receive a job offer from the company where they interned.
The best business schools connect students with internship opportunities. However, enterprising MBA students can also ask for an internship with a company that does not openly recruit interns. Planning ahead and thinking strategically can help MBA students get the most out of their internship.
MBA internship opportunities include:
- Financial services internships
- Consulting firm internships
- Technology internships
- Marketing internships
Typically, MBA students in traditional programs complete a summer internship between their first and second years. In part-time or accelerated MBA programs, the timing of the internship varies. Business schools encourage students to invest time and effort in their internship. After all, the internship can shape what kind of jobs you can get with an MBA.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBA Jobs
How much money can I make with an MBA?
The earning potential with an MBA depends on your industry, location, and experience. In the 2022 Corporate Recruiters Survey, recruiters reported a median starting salary of $115,000 for recent MBA graduates. That salary varied by concentration, with professionals in consulting, finance, and technology reporting the highest salaries.
In some fields, starting salaries reach $145,000. With experience, MBA professionals typically see their earning potential increase. Many roles, including chief executive officer and information systems manager, offer median salaries of over $150,000. Professionals working in consulting also report high salaries.
Which MBA jobs pay the most?
The highest-paying jobs with an MBA include chief executive officer, chief technology officer, and financial manager. According to data from the BLS and Payscale, CEOs and CTOs report salaries of over $160,000. The highest-paid CEOs and financial managers make over $208,000, or the equivalent of over $100 an hour.
Many management occupations pay median salaries in the six figures. According to BLS data, management occupations reported a median annual wage of $116,880 in May 2023. Within the highest-paying MBA jobs, salaries vary depending on the industry and location.
Which MBA jobs are in highest demand?
Many jobs for MBA graduates report high demand. For example, the BLS projects financial managers to see 16% job growth from 2022-2032 and healthcare managers to see 28% projected job growth. Overall, management careers are projected to benefit from 10% job growth from 2022-2032. That translates to over 1,000,000 new management jobs.
The BLS estimates that this growth will come from the founding of new companies and the expansion of current organizations. Professionals with an MBA will be prepared to take on management-level responsibilities in industries like tech, healthcare, marketing, and financial services.
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